Originally Posted by
EdHanrahan
- Many tunes, but especially the roots-influenced ones that attract mandolinists, outline their tonality in the melody itself. Generally, notes that fall on strong beats (1 especially, but also 2,3, etc.) are the notes of the accompanying chord, while passing, off-chord tones fall on the "ands" or other spaces between those strong beats. So the tonality is pretty much established in the listener's head, leaving the accompanist free to add whatever (hopefully!) tasteful sparseness YOU might think is appropriate.